Steven A. Bagen | April 1, 2025 | Car Accidents
When driving, blind spots are “any areas around a vehicle that a driver cannot easily see.” Blind spots generally lie outside of the driver’s peripheral vision. Side and rearview mirrors also do not reflect the area in which a blind spot lies.
Blind spots can be hazardous even for safe drivers. However, it’s the drivers who don’t turn their heads, check all their mirrors, and exercise abundant caution that are most likely to cause blind spot collisions. If you or a loved one were in an accident involving a blind spot, hire a Gainesville car accident attorney to calculate your case value and fight for a fair settlement.
Most Vehicles Have Blind Spots. Some Are Larger Than Others.
Virtually every vehicle has at least one blind spot, and these blind spots are generally in the rear and the immediate sides of motor vehicles.
Not all vehicles have the same number or size of blind spots. Vehicles that are taller and larger tend to have the most significant blind spots, which means those driving those vehicles must be especially cautious before changing lanes or turning.
Understanding the vehicle one is driving is key to preventing blind spot collisions.
Commercial Trucks
Commercial trucks have the largest blind spots of all. Trucks’ blind spots are:
- In the front: Trucks’ blind spots reach about 20 feet in front of the vehicle.
- In the rear: The rear blind spot (behind the trailer) is even more significant, reaching about 30 feet behind.
- To the left: A truck driver cannot generally see out the left side of the truck from the rear section of the cab to about halfway down the trailer.
- To the right: While a truck driver may see directly down the right side of the truck (through the right-side mirrors), they have a substantial blind spot on the right side that stretches across two lanes of traffic.
Truck drivers must be cognizant of these blind spots. They must not change lanes or turn unless they are completely certain a blind spot is clear. Non-truck drivers should also be aware of trucks’ blind spots and avoid unnecessarily lingering in blind spots.
Pickup Trucks
Though pickup trucks are not as large as commercial trucks, they, too, have blind spots. Trucks that are lifted or carrying large cargo in the bed may have uncommonly large blind spots.
Buses
Buses tend to have large blind spots because of:
- Their long body
- Their height, which can make it more difficult to see smaller vehicles
- Passengers in the vehicle can obscure sights in the rearview mirror
- The large gap between the driver and the passenger side mirror leaves large blind spots on the right side of the bus’ exterior
Whether it’s a school bus, public bus, or another type of bus, blind spots are a hazard drivers must be acutely aware of.
SUVs
Sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) can be quite large. This size is one of the features most associated with large blind spots.
Cars With Abnormal Designs
Even cars, among the smallest vehicles on the road can have hazardous blind spots.
For instance, if a two-door vehicle has a small rear window, it may be more difficult for the driver to see a blind spot when turning their head. Though the blind spot may not be as large in a car, any blind spot is a dangerous blind spot.
Generally speaking, though, the larger the vehicle, the larger the blind spot(s).
Blind Spots Are a Hazard. Still, Safe Drivers Can Overcome Them.
Some motorists drive vehicles with blindspots daily, yet go an entire lifetime without causing an accident. This is proof that blind spots are dangerous but can be overcome through cautious, defensive driving.
Some ways that motorists overcome blind spots are:
Checking All Their Mirrors
Most vehicles have:
- A driver-side mirror
- A passenger-side mirror
- A rearview mirror
Some motorists even install mini mirrors within their side-view mirrors. Though most vehicle mirrors have blind spots, checking one’s mirrors is necessary before changing lanes.
Turning Their Head Before Turning, Changing Lanes, or Entering Traffic
Because mirrors do not reflect areas in the driver’s blind spot, it is vital that a driver turn their head before changing lanes, merging, or engaging in any other action that might infringe on another vehicle.
Turning On Driver Assistance Technologies
Newer vehicles increasingly have driver assistance technologies, including those that alert the driver when there is an object in the vehicle’s blind spot. These technologies are not foolproof, but they are yet another means of avoiding blind spot accidents.
Not Making a Move Unless They’re 100 percent Certain It’s Safe to Do So
Perhaps the most important rule regarding blind spots is this: If there is any question that a vehicle, motorcyclist, pedestrian, or anything else is in a motorist’s blind spot, the motorist should not take action until they’re sure the blind spot is clear.
Who Is at Most Risk of Being in a blind spot Accident?
Anyone can be involved in a blind spot accident. Even a large commercial truck may be hit by a motor vehicle whose driver failed to check their blind spot adequately. That being said, a few groups are at an increased danger of being hit in a blind spot accident, and they are:
- Motorcyclists: Motorcycle riders are at a heightened risk of accidents in general. Due to their small size (compared to larger motor vehicles), riders are especially vulnerable to motorists who don’t check blind spots. Riders are also at a heightened risk of serious injury because they don’t have the protection that motor vehicle occupants do.
- Scooter riders: Scooter riders are vulnerable to blind spot accidents for the same reason motorcycle riders are. They are simply far smaller than the typical motor vehicle and, therefore, more likely to be hidden in a blind spot.
- Those driving small vehicles: The smaller the motor vehicle, the more difficult that vehicle is to see. This means, smaller vehicles (like two-door coupes) may be more likely to be on the wrong end of a blind spot collision.
- Anyone driving alongside a large truck or bus: While most vehicles have blind spots, large trucks, and buses have far larger blind spots than most. This means that any rider or motor vehicle driver who has to be in a bus or truck’s blind spot is in heightened danger of being hit in a blind spot collision.
If you or a loved one became an accident victim because a motorist failed to mind a blind spot, hire a vehicle accident attorney as soon as you can.
Why You Should Hire Your Blind Spot Accident Attorney Right Away
Get attention for injuries as soon as possible after any traffic accident. It’s critically important that you get all necessary treatment and a full evaluation of all accident-related injuries.
You should also hire an attorney as soon as possible. Choose to let a vehicle accident lawyer assist you because:
- You may need protection from insurance companies: Many accident survivors do not realize they may need protection from insurers. While we often view insurers as a potential source of compensation, they may not want to pay you. This means you might face bad-faith tactics from one or more insurers (possibly even including your own insurance provider). An attorney will provide the protection you need.
- Your time is limited, and your recovery demands your attention: Nobody is superhuman. The constraints of time may feel even tighter in the aftermath of your collision. Let an attorney manage every aspect of your case. Doing so will enable you to rest, follow your doctor’s instructions, and keep your recovery as the priority.
- An attorney has been here before: Having someone experienced on your side can be calming. A lawyer’s experience can also be a great benefit to your case. Your attorney can give you sound advice because they have helped clients in circumstances similar to yours.
- A law firm offers all necessary resources: Your law firm may pay to hire experts, hire professionals to reconstruct the accident, and take other measures to enhance your case. The firm’s attorneys, paralegals, and other support staff should also be valuable resources.
- If you need medical or mental health services, an attorney will ensure you receive both: The best law firms consider their clients to be family. This means they are most concerned with your health, recovery, and long-term well-being. Don’t be surprised if you receive medical care and mental health services from providers your lawyer refers you to.
No matter how strong you are or how much experience you have with auto accidents, hiring a lawyer is typically a good decision.
How Lawyers Deliver Value to Victims of blind spot Accidents
Your attorney will be responsible for completing your case. Time will tell exactly which approach they take, but you can be fairly certain your vehicle accident lawyer will:
Prove How the Motorist Who Violated Your Blind Spot Was Negligent
If a motor vehicle driver merged into your blind spot (or caused a collision in another way), you may have no doubt that they’re at fault. Even so, your lawyer will need to prove fault.
Even in cases where fault seems obvious, liable parties may challenge your case. Your attorney may use your testimony, witness testimony, expert testimony, video, photographs, reconstructions of the crash, and other evidence to prove fault.
Seek Out Documentation of Your Damages Right Away
When an accident survivor suffers injuries, their attorney may prove their damages with:
- Healthcare records, including detailed diagnoses of injuries and symptoms, doctors’ treatment recommendations, and any other relevant medical documents
- Medical bills
- Receipts for the repair of your vehicle, replacement of a totaled vehicle, and any temporary transportation you need after the crash
- Mental health professionals evaluations of your accident-related anguish, distress, and trauma
Each accident survivor has their own damages, according to the severity of their accident injuries, so attorneys must document damages on a case-by-case basis. Trust that your lawyer will find documentation for all the harm you’re facing because of the motorist who caused your crash.
Establish a Specific Case Value
Before they negotiate on your behalf, your lawyer will determine the precise financial value of your damages. Their goal will be to secure a settlement that equals or exceeds this value.
Demand Fair Compensation from Liable Insurers
In most cases, at least one insurance company is liable for the cost of the blind spot collision. If this is true in your case, your lawyer will demand that each liable insurance company provide you with a fair settlement.
Your lawyer will:
- Be prepared for liable insurance companies to fight your claim (even if they clearly owe you the money your lawyer is seeking)
- Have all relevant case materials, including documentation of your damages, ready for negotiations
- Be determined to secure the settlement you deserve, even if liable parties make it difficult to do so
“Settling” does not always mean “compromising.” Your attorney should press to secure all the compensation you deserve, and their case will support their demands.
Start and Finish Legal Proceedings (Should You Choose to Sue)
Lawyers have an advantage in settlement negotiations. If liable insurance companies (or other liable parties) do not meet their settlement demands, filing a lawsuit may be an option.
Most auto accident cases settle. Still, you should feel confident knowing that a lawyer—who will be willing to sue if necessary—is representing you.
Damages You Might Have Suffered in a blind spot Collision
When someone enters your lane because they did not check their blind spot, it might cause direct impact, result in your vehicle being pushed off the road, and cause serious injuries. These outcomes may cause you to suffer:
- Physical pain, emotional anguish, and other types of pain and suffering
- Medical costs
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Disabling injuries (which can expose you to long-term economic and non-economic damages)
Attorneys put themselves in their client’s shoes. They conduct careful, compassionate accountancy of their client’s damages. This ensures that whatever harm you’ve suffered, your personal injury lawyer will identify and document it.
You Should Hire Your Auto Accident Attorney Today
You deserve justice, and should want to see justice done as soon as possible. Plus, there are often deadlines for submitting blind spot accident claims and lawsuits.
Find and hire your vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible.